Our Dogs

Patriot Rover dogs are AKC registered purpose bred and acquired from a variety of breeding facilities and donors. Patriot Rover puppies are carefully evaluated for suitability prior to acceptance into our program and closely monitored and evaluated frequently throughout their involvement in the Patriot Rovers training program.

We have found that Golden Retrievers have the best temperament for work as service dogs. Patriot Rovers will use Labrador Retrievers on some occasions. We have a limited capacity for rescuing and housing our Rovers, so we are not able to take in rescue dogs that are offered to us. Although we must turn away rescue dogs for our mission, we fully support and encourage the rescue and adoption of all homeless dogs.

We provide health care to our pups, including spay/neutering, housing and socialization until they are old enough to begin training. During this time we are able to evaluate the personalities of our pups to make sure they are suitable for the Patriot Rover program. In the rare event a dog is not a good match for our program, we place the dog into a loving home as a pet.

Patriot Rovers are highly skilled dogs and given a final evaluation of their service dog tasks prior to leaving with their owner on graduation day. Additionally, Patriot Rover trainers do periodic checks with the veterans and an annual certification allows opportunities for brush up or advanced training as well as celebration and re-connection with other veterans, Rovers and Gold Star families.